10 Tricks to Stand out at your office
Even in a small office, there are usually 2 groups – the ones who shine, and the ones who you sometimes forget even work there. The people who stand out are usually the ones who get promoted, who get the perks, or who get the best assignments. These are a few small ways to bring yourself front and centre in the minds of your colleagues and managers.
1. Forward
Lets admit it, if you work on a computer, chances are that you spend at least a part of your workday surfing the web. Yes, I admit that we all need out daily fix or People of Walmart, Texts From Last Night, or whatever your personal poison may be. But turn some of your web wandering to work related fare. This is going to have some other advantages, such as that you’re going to sound smarter and more engaged as you pick up some industry-related factoids along the way, nor will you get an evil eye should your boss happen to catch you. But the main thing here is that every few days, you should try to send out an interesting, relevant, preferably entertaining article or blog post to your coworkers and managers. Don’t spam them. Don’t forward random jokes or personal stuff – just a few enlightening gems here and there It will be appreciated, and bring you to the top of mind when someone is seeking a subject matter expert.
2. Bake
Or ask your girlfriend/boyfriend/mom or whatever too. Or stop in the bakery on the way to the office every now and then. I’m not kidding. The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Bring people yummy things to eat, and they will start to associate you with happy thought. For extra brownie points, take someones dietary restrictions into account – look up some gluten free recipes for someone in the office with Celiacs, or figure out how to make something delicious but sugar free for your friendly office diabetic. That little bit of consideration will go a LONG way to creating positive associations in that persona’s mind, and may also get you some good word of mouth.
3. Thank
By publicly thanking those who helped you out, you are not only helping them, but also by association helping yourself. Most people in today’s society don;t take the time to thank others properly. And unfortunately, some people actually see it as a weakness. Believe me, it is not. Thanking others will not only make you seem like a good person, it will also make others more likely to come to your rescue next time. This will have a perpetual effect of making your life easier, as well as making you a more successful employee.
4. Socialize
Take part in as many social gatherings with your coworkers as you can. Whether it’s drinks with a few people from accounting or a company-wide event, make your presence known. Of course, if it’s a group of people who are just going out to bitch and moan, perhaps you don’t want to be associated with that. Bt otherwise, remember that the company ethos is not just what happens in the office, it’s everything that happens surrounding the organization, and you want to weave yourself into that ethos as deeply as you can.
And watch the booze.
5. Participate
I know, I know…
It doesn’t have to be that bad. If you can, find a committee or group within your office that you find interesting. Don’t just join something for the sake of joining – join something that you will actually be interested in, and will therefore contribute positively too. Doesn’t exist? Well, maybe you should be a little keener and take the initiative to start it up yourself. A company blog, a social committee, a green office initiative. The possibilities are endless. Not only will this make you look like a superstar at your current place of employment, but this is also future resume gold.
You’re not the leader type? You wouldn’t feel comfortable leading this type of thing? That’s OK too. Try find someone within the company who has similar interests who would be interested in leading, and have them bring you along as second in command. They will likely appreciate the suggestion.
6. Ask
Ask questions. Not only will you look like less of a screw up if you ask for help, not only will you likely get your work done quicker and produce a better product, but you will also leave a positive impact on the people that you ask. Remember to ask questions in a constructive manner. Do some research up front. Don’t ask ignorant questions – ask people what they feel is the best course of action between two alternatives, or to brush up an idea that’s already mostly there. Also, it’s always a god idea to ask your coworkers in other departments about their jobs. Ask what exactly their responsibilities are, what the new developments in their field are, if they’re working on anything interesting or innovative. This will make you more knowledgeable about your organization as a whole as well as making you memorable to others.
7. Admit
This is a simple one, but much harder than it sounds. If you make a mistake, or something goes wrong – ADMIT IT. I’ve seen countless instances of people trying to cover up mistakes or misdirect the blame. When you don’t take the bull by the horns, not only are you opening the door for the problem to get ten times worse, you are also passing up an opportunity to make yourself look like a superstar. When confronted with a problem, develop some possible solutions, and then take them to someone – your manager or a coworker. By admitting the mistake, you show yourself as a team player, as a responsible employee, and by having some potential solutions on hand you show that you have problem solving skills. And, as most people will not come straight out and admit it if something has gone wrong, you will also stand out as a brave, morally superior person (hint: that’s what people look for in management!)
8. Mentor
Take some of those younguns under your wing. Again, aside from generally looking like a rockstar, there are a few fringe benefits here. First, by explaining things to the newbie, you will actually reinforce your own understanding and possibly develop some new ideas. I always fond whenever I explain something that I end up going on some tangent and coming up with some new ideas. Second, you are likely to end up with your own little stock of minions. The people that you helped will be far more likely to help you out down the road. And third, you are displaying some serious positive leadership abilities – this is both excellent promotion and future resume fodder.
9. Personalize
Bring a little of yourself into the office. Be unique. Bring some touches of your personal style to your desk, or the way you dress. Don’t blend. Maintain the required degree of professionalism, but let your own personal style shine through.
10. Karma
Kismet. Chi Whatever you may call it. Whether or not you actually believe in it. Invite some good karma into your workspace. Every day – do one random good deed for someone in your office. Make a habit of it. Spread it around – don’t just focus on the higher ups. Don’t tell anyone why you’re doing it. Don’t ask for or expect thanks. Just do it. And one way or another, it will start coming back to you.
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